granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor

Granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a glycoprotein cytokine that stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells into myeloid lineage cells such as granulocytes (neutrophils) and macrophages. It plays a critical role in immune system regulation by enhancing the function of antigen-presenting cells and skewing immune responses toward Th1-type immunity. Clinically, GM-CSF is used to promote white blood cell recovery after bone marrow transplantation or chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, reduce infection risk in immunocompromised patients (including those with cancer or AIDS), mobilize hematopoietic progenitor cells for stem cell transplantation, and as an adjuvant in cancer vaccines. Recombinant forms include sargramostim (Leukine) and molgramostim (Leucomax). GM-CSF has also been investigated for use in critically ill patients with impaired neutrophil function and for potential benefit in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease[1][2][3][4][8].

Brand names

LeukineLeucomax

Other names

granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factorGM-CSFsargramostimmolgramostimregramostim